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Fertility Struggles in Malaysia

6 min read

In Malaysia, it is common for couples to wait until they are financially stable before starting a family. This can often be later in life, which can make conceiving a child difficult. Couples who do struggle with fertility often feel like they are alone, as there is little public discussion of the topic. This article discusses some of the most common causes and treatments for infertility.

Is Infertility A Growing Problem In Malaysia?

In Malaysia, infertility is a major health concern affecting 10-15% of the married population. Despite the high prevalence of infertility, there is still a lack of awareness and understanding of the condition among the general public.

Infertility can be a very emotionally and financially draining experience. However, with the right support and treatment, many couples are able to overcome this challenge and go on to have healthy children.

What's Causing Your Infertility? Here are the Possibilities!

Infertility in men

It’s often thought that fertility problems are only a woman’s issue, the truth is that infertility is just as likely to be a man’s problem as it is a woman’s. Some causes include:

Sperm Disorders - Sperm problems can be caused by inherited traits or by lifestyle choices. Smoking, drinking alcohol, and using certain medications can all reduce sperm count or unhealthy sperm health. Long-term illness (such as kidney failure), childhood infections (such as mumps), and chromosome or hormone problems are all possible causes of low sperm counts (such as low testosterone).
Varicoceles - Varicoceles are swollen scrotal veins. They inhibit sperm growth by preventing proper blood drainage. Varicoceles may cause blood to flow back into your scrotum from your belly. The testicles are then too hot to produce sperm. This can result in low sperm counts.
Immunologic Infertility - Sometimes a man's body produces antibodies that attack his own sperm. They prevent sperm from moving and working normally. This is not a common cause of male infertility.
Obstruction - Repeated infections, surgery (such as vasectomy), swelling, or developmental defects can all cause sperm tubes to become clogged. Sperm from the testicles cannot leave the body during ejaculation if there is a blockage.
Hormones - Hormones produced by the pituitary gland instruct the testicles to produce sperm. Sperm growth is hampered by low hormone levels. Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and it plays a vital role in sperm production and libido. When testosterone levels are low, sperm production can be affected. While low sex = lower chance of conceiving also.
Medication - Certain medications have the potential to alter sperm production, function, and delivery. These medications are commonly prescribed to treat health issues such as arthritis, depression, digestive problems, anxiety or depression, infections, high blood pressure, and cancer.

Infertility in women

In women, the cause of infertility can be due to a variety of factors, including:

Age - As a woman gets older, her chances of getting pregnant decrease. This is because the quality and quantity of her eggs decline with age.
Hormones - Hormonal imbalances can prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs or make it difficult for the fertilized egg to implant in the uterus.
Weight - Being either overweight or underweight can affect hormone levels and interfere with ovulation.
Medical conditions - Certain medical conditions like endometriosis, damage to the fallopian tube, PCOS, and thyroid problems can impact fertility.

Infertility Treatment

There are many different types of infertility treatments, and the best course of action for each couple depends on the specific cause of their infertility.

Some common types of infertility treatments include assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). In IVF, eggs are retrieved from the woman’s ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the woman’s uterus, where they hopefully implant and grow into a healthy pregnancy.

Other types of fertility treatments include medication to stimulate ovulation, surgery to correct anatomical problems that are preventing pregnancy, and intrauterine insemination (IUI), which is a procedure in which sperm is directly inserted into the woman’s uterus.

Supplement for Infertility

There are many different factors that can contribute to infertility, and often it is a combination of several factors. One factor that is often overlooked is the role of nutrients and supplements in fertility. Here are some suggestions:

Supplement in MEN

CoQ10 is an important nutrient for overall health, but it's also critical for reproductive health. This antioxidant helps to protect sperm from damage and improve their motility.

Zinc is an important mineral for men, and it's often deficient in those with infertility. Zinc plays a role in sperm production, so supplements may improve fertility.

Selenium is a mineral that is essential for good health, but it is also important for fertility. Selenium plays a role in the production of sperm and in the development of the reproductive organs. It is also involved in the metabolism of testosterone, which is important for sperm production.

Testofen® is a natural extract derived from the Fenugreek plant. It helps to improve libido function and increase testosterone levels. AndroGuard is one of the brands with Testofen® which is designed to help men boost their testosterone levels naturally, without the use of steroids or other synthetic hormones.

Supplements for WOMEN

Folic acid is essential not only for women who are trying to conceive but also during the first three months of pregnancy. Folic acid can help you become pregnant and is an important nutrient in ensuring that your baby's spine develops normally. It is advised that women who are trying to conceive take at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily and continue to take this supplement for the first three months of their pregnancy.

Omega 3 Fatty Acid has been scientifically proven to aid fertility by regulating hormones, promoting ovulation, and increasing cervical mucus, as well as the flow of blood to the reproductive organs (thereby improving the overall quality of the uterus).

CoQ10 not only helps to improve sperm health. It may also help to improve egg quality and increase fertilization rates.

Vitamin D is important for many aspects of health, including fertility. A deficiency in vitamin D can lead to a number of problems, including anovulation (the absence of ovulation), which can make it difficult to get pregnant.

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone that is produced naturally by the body. It plays an important role in fertility. levels of DHEA decline as we age, which may contribute to age-related infertility.

The Link Between Stress and Infertility

When it comes to fertility, stress can be a major roadblock. Studies have shown that stress can have a negative impact on both men's and women’s fertility.

For women, stress can interfere with ovulation and prevent the uterus from being able to properly support a pregnancy. For men, stress can lower sperm count and quality.

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to managing stress, there are some things you can do to help reduce its impact on your fertility. Taking breaks during the day to relax, getting regular exercise, having a good sleep and eating a healthy diet are all good ways to help manage stress levels.

How do You Know When to See a Fertility Specialist?

When you’re trying to conceive, you may wonder when to seek help from a fertility specialist. Here are some signs that it may be time to consult with a fertility doctor.

If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for more than a year without success, it’s probably time to see a fertility specialist. Age is also a factor; women over 35 may want to seek help sooner rather than later.

Other red flags include irregular or long menstrual cycles, a history of pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis, and a family history of infertility.

You should also consult a fertility specialist if you or your partner:

Has had three or more miscarriages
Struggles to achieve or maintain an erection
Has a history of sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea

The Bottom Line

There are many factors that you cannot control when dealing with infertility, including genetics, age, and an unpredictable cycle, to name a few. And you might not even know if the issue is on you or your partner's side.

However, providing your body with the best nutrition possible — including vitamins or herbs — is one area where you have control.

Certainly, you may consider working with a healthcare professional or specialist to find the right method to increase the chances of having a healthy pregnancy.

Why Do Men Get High Estrogen Levels?

3 min read

When we talk about estrogen, it is commonly known as female sex hormones.

However, estrogen is actually produced in both men and women, although in smaller quantities in men. Studies have shown that levels of estrogen in men can vary depending on their age, ethnicity, and health condition.

There is still much to learn about what causes men to have high estrogen levels, obesity can be a major factor. Research suggests that obese men tend to have higher estrogen levels. This is because excess body fat can increase the production of estrogen in the body.

Men with high estrogen can caused several health conditions. Learn more here.

What are the causes of high estrogen levels in men?

There are many potential causes of high estrogen levels in men. Some of the most common include obesity, liver disease, and certain types of cancer.

Obesity is a major risk factor for high estrogen levels in men. Fat cells produce estrogen, and men with more body fat tend to have higher levels of the estrogen hormone. This is especially true for abdominal fat.
Liver disease can also lead to high estrogen levels in men. The liver plays a key role in hormone metabolism, and when it is not functioning properly, estrogen can build up to high levels.
Certain types of cancer can also be an indicator of high estrogen levels in men. For example, prostate cancer often leads to elevated hormone levels.
Another common cause of high estrogen levels in men is stress. When someone is stressed, their body produces more cortisol. Cortisol can convert testosterone into estrogen, leading to high estrogen levels.

Since estrogen is derived from testosterone. A high estrogen level can result in low testosterone levels.

What is the relationship between testosterone and estrogen in men?

Testosterone convert to estrogen by aromatase enzyme — picture source from wikepedia

The enzyme aromatase in fat cells can convert testosterone to estrogen. The male body uses estrogen for:

regulating sex drive
achieving erections
producing sperm
testicular function

Estrogen also serves other purposes in the human body. It can aid in cholesterol control as well as bone and heart health.

It also has an impact on mood, skin, and other body tissues.

What are the health risks associated with high estrogen levels in men?

Here are some of the most common symptoms of high oestrogen levels in men. :

Infertility. Estrogen is a hormone that your body uses to regulate sperm production. High estrogen levels can slow sperm production and make it more difficult to produce healthy sperm.
Gynecomastia. Increased estrogen can cause more breast tissue to develop than usual. High levels can result in the development of a condition known as gynecomastia. This occurs when the amount of breast fat tissue is abnormally high.
Erectile dysfunction (ED). Increased estrogen levels can disrupt the hormonal balance required to achieve and maintain an erection. This is especially true if you have low testosterone at the same time.

Treatment for high estrogen levels in men

Diet, lifestyle, and exercise

Dietary changes can also help keep your estrogen levels low.
A low-fat, high-fibre diet is commonly recommended for estrogen level control.
Some meat products contain oestrogen as a result of hormone treatment and should be avoided.
Regular exercise and staying fit can also help to keep your estrogen levels low.

Medication

Some doctors may prescribe aromatase inhibitors to prevent the conversion of testosterone to estrogen.

Supplement

High estrogen levels can be detrimental to a man's health and well-being. Symptoms of high estrogen levels may include decreased testosterone production, weight gain, fatigue, and a decrease in muscle mass.

Consider taking a testosterone booster supplement. Testofen®, for example, is a fenugreek extract with 50% Fenuside™ that has been shown to help increase free testosterone production, improve energy output, and maintain muscle mass.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is evident that men have high estrogen levels due to a variety of reasons. Some of these reasons include obesity, aging, health conditions and the use of certain medications.

High estrogen in men can cause a range of health problems. It is important for men to be aware of the signs and symptoms of high estrogen levels and to seek medical attention if they suspect that they may have a problem.

6 Men's Health Concerns You Should Be Aware Of

4 min read

Health is not a gender-specific issue. While it is important for everyone, regardless of age or gender, to get preventive health checks and make healthy dietary and lifestyle choices, multiple studies have shown that men are more likely to ignore health problems or be hesitant to see a doctor, often hiding problems because they believe they are already-fit and healthy. However, feeling healthy isn't always the same as actually being healthy, and ignoring problems until they worsen can make matters worse. Not only is it a big risk to take, but there are some specific symptoms and warning signs of deteriorating health that men should be aware of. We outline six common men's health issues and how to deal with them in this article.

1. Testosterone deficiency or ‘manopause’

Low testosterone affects millions of men, and the number is growing every year. Testosterone deficiency, also known as andropause or 'manopause', mimics many of the symptoms associated with female menopause. It affects men between the ages of 30 and 90, however, the good thing is not every man will get it, and for a large number of those who are affected, the symptoms are often downplayed or simply attributed to working too hard or having a mid-life crisis.

Common symptoms include tiredness, falling asleep after food, decreased libido, increased body fat/decreased muscle, poor concentration/brain fog, and increased irritability. In the later stages, men may also experience night sweats, changes in cholesterol and blood pressure, increased risk of diabetes, and osteoporosis (bone thinning).

You may check the testosterone score by answering a simple questionnaire or via a blood test to find out the total testosterone and free testosterone level. Fixing the cause with lifestyle changes (e.g. exercise), supplementation or starting testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can be life-changing, lowering the risk of other serious medical problems, improving quality of life, and saving jobs, marriages, and families.

2. Prostate disease

Because women do not have prostate glands, this disease can only affect men. The prostate is a small gland behind the penis. It secretes fluids that are necessary for the release of sperm during sexual intercourse.

The prostate is prone to enlargement in men as they age. Its prevalence is incremental as men get older, with estimates of approximately 50% of men between the ages of 51 and 60, and up to 90% of men older than 80 being affected.

Another prostate-related issue is prostate cancer. It is said that if we live long enough, all men will develop some form of prostate cancer. It is the most common cancer in men, accounting for one-quarter of all cancer cases.

You can slow down prostate enlargement and reduce your risk of prostate cancer by not being overweight, exercising regularly, considering saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil and lycopene supplementation, and getting regular health checks.

3. Erectile dysfunction (ED)

ED affects roughly half of all men at some point in their lives, but it is still a taboo subject. Men develop ED for a variety of reasons, including neurological or metabolic causes (such as diabetes), anxiety or stress, hormone deficiencies, or a narrowing of the blood supply to the penis. This last cause is so significant that it is widely accepted that if you have ED due to a vascular cause, you have about three years before it affects your heart (resulting in a heart attack). The penis is a health indicator. Phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors pills such as sildenafil, and tadalafil can be effective in treating ED, but only if the underlying cause is identified.

4. Heart-Related Diseases

Heart disease, stroke, and artery diseases are among the top ten men's health issues worldwide. These conditions are referred to as cardiovascular diseases.

Over one-third of adult men are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Men over the age of 45 are more likely to have high blood pressure.

To avoid death from cardiovascular disease, you should have a regular medical check-up once every six months or yearly. You should also keep an eye on your blood pressure and adopt healthy habits like routine exercise and consuming more fruits and vegetables.

5. Lung Cancer and Respiratory Diseases

Lung cancer is a terrible disease because it can spread quickly before you notice any symptoms. Lung cancer can kill within a year of being diagnosed. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer in men. While the number of men who smoke has decreased, it is still a leading cause of death in men.

Unfortunately, there is no early detection test for lung cancer. The best way to avoid the disease is to quit smoking. If you are or have ever been a chronic smoker, see your doctor for a regular medical examination.

6. Diabetes

Diabetes develops when the level of glucose in your blood rises to dangerously high levels. It occurs when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin or the body fails to respond to it. This results in an excess of glucose in the blood.

The frequent urge to urinate and excessive thirst are two major symptoms of diabetes. Diabetes develops gradually, and most men are unaware of it until they notice the first two major symptoms.

Excess glucose in the bloodstream can lead to a variety of diseases, including strokes, heart attacks, and blindness. Obese and overweight men are more likely to develop diabetes.

To prevent this disease, you should exercise for at least 30 minutes per day and eat a well-balanced diet rich in macronutrients.

Take early action to address the top men's health issues

If you've noticed any of the above-mentioned symptoms, do seek immediate medical attention. It is always better to guard your health, starting from the first sign.